In May 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released a pivotal update: the Exposure Draft on Baseline Standards for Automated AML Solutions.
It’s not business as usual anymore. The CBN is redefining what it means to be AML-compliant and it’s placing automated, intelligent, and real-time systems at the heart of the new standard.
If you’re in banking, payments, fintech, lending, or any regulated financial institution this directive is not optional. It’s the future of compliance in Nigeria.
What’s This New Directive About?
The directive is CBN’s clear signal that disjointed or outdated compliance processes won’t cut it anymore. Financial institutions are now expected to deploy automated AML solutions that are integrated, secure, and smart.
Here’s a breakdown of what the new standards require:
AI-Powered Risk Detection:
The CBN encourages the use of AI and machine learning for behavioral profiling, adaptive risk scoring, and more accurate detection with fewer false positives.
Automated KYC, KYB, and CDD:
Solutions must connect with identity databases (BVN, NIN) and support real-time verification, risk-based scoring, and continuous due diligence.
PEP & Sanctions Screening:
Screening must cover global and local watchlists (UN, OFAC, EFCC, Nigerian PEPs and more), with automated adverse media checks to flag reputational risks.
Case Management & Regulatory Reporting:
Institutions must have centralized dashboards that support case resolution workflows, audit trails, and auto-generation of reports for regulatory bodies like the NFIU.
Scalability, Security & Governance:
AML platforms must be secure, scalable, and support system validations, encryption, access control, and vendor oversight.
Why It’s a Strategic Advantage and not Just a Compliance Obligation
Yes, the shift is a big move but it’s also packed with opportunities and they are:
Operational Efficiency:
Automation reduces time spent on manual reviews, allowing your team to focus on high-risk cases.
Stronger Defenses:
Real-time detection and advanced analytics mean fewer blind spots and better fraud prevention.
Compliance Confidence:
You’ll be fully aligned with CBN’s expectations, ready for audits, and far less exposed to penalties.
Market Credibility:
Your stakeholders, investors, and partners will see you as a forward-thinking, risk-aware institution, especially crucial for fintechs and digital-first banks.
What You Should Do Now And How Probe Can Help
The directive has moved past draft form, although the standards were open for consultation until June 13th, the CBN has indicated that institutions will have a 12-month compliance window and should begin preparing for implementation. Now is the time to act.
1. Evaluate Your Current AML Infrastructure
- Is your current system automated or still heavily manual?
- Can it handle real-time monitoring, PEP screening, and integration with identity databases?
2. Consult a reliable and robust Compliance solution Partner
Probe Compliance has been ahead of the curve building solutions that already align with CBN’s new requirements.
Our platform supports:
- Real-time transaction monitoring
- AI-powered detection
- Dynamic KYC/KYB systems
- Case management dashboards
- Automated regulatory reporting
- Full integration with watchlists and national identity databases
We’ve built a solution that’s compliant, scalable, and secure and below is a comprehensive list of what our solution can do in line with the new CBN Directives.
3. Train Your Compliance and Risk Teams
Equip your staff with the tools and training to use automated systems effectively, understand new workflows, and maintain regulatory alignment.
4. Build a Compliance Transformation Roadmap
With Probe’s support, create a clear implementation plan. Phased, practical, and tailored to your institution’s risk exposure, and tech infrastructure.
The future of Compliance is Automated and it’s already here. CBN’s AML directive isn’t just another regulatory update, it’s a strategic push toward intelligent compliance. Institutions that embrace this shift will lead the way, while others play catch-up under pressure.
Ready to Align With CBN’s New AML Standards?
At Probe Compliance, we provide end-to-end automated AML solutions that meet and exceed the new baseline standards. Whether you’re a commercial bank, fintech, or microfinance institution, we can help you transition confidently.
Stay compliant, Stay ahead, Request a Free Demo
👉 Book a Free Demo